The Quincy Symphony Orchestra will open its 79th concert season, World of Wonder, on Sunday, October 4, with an afternoon of music, storytelling and imagination. “Untold Stories” begins at 2:30 p.m. at the Quincy Junior High Morrison Theater and features Quincy native and acclaimed soprano Melissa Citro, returning home to perform with the orchestra under the direction of Dr. Bruce Briney.
A graduate of Quincy Senior High and former QSO Young Artist Winner, Citro has built an international career performing leading soprano roles with the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Washington National Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Detroit Opera, Dallas Opera and other major companies. Her Metropolitan Opera appearances include Die Walküre, Rusalka, The Makropulos Case and Tannhäuser. She has also performed in concert with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Richmond Symphony Orchestra.
A Grand Finals Winner of the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, Citro is also a recipient of the George London Award, Richman Award and Mario Lanza Competition. She studied at The Juilliard School and Westminster Choir College, with additional training at the Music Academy of the West and San Francisco Opera’s Merola Opera Program.
For her return to Quincy, Citro will be featured in Samuel Barber’s “Knoxville: Summer of 1915.” Based on the evocative prose of American author James Agee, the work captures the warmth, innocence and quiet wonder of a childhood summer evening.
The program also features Dmitri Shostakovich’s exhilarating “Festive Overture,” selected by popular vote from Quincy Symphony patrons. The energetic work brings a burst of celebration to the program and gives audiences an opportunity to hear a piece chosen by the community itself.
The concert concludes with Edward Elgar’s celebrated “Enigma Variations,” one of the most beloved works in the orchestral repertoire. Through a series of musical portraits, Elgar pays tribute to friends and people who shaped his life. Each variation reveals a different personality, creating a work filled with humor, tenderness, mystery, and emotion.
Together, the three works offer a compelling opening to the Quincy Symphony’s World of Wonder season, exploring the many ways music can tell stories, evoke memories and spark the imagination.
“Untold Stories” will be presented at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, October 4, at the Quincy Junior High School Morrison Theater. Tickets are $20 and are available at Quincy Hy-Vee stores, Sturhahn Jewelers, at QSOA.org, and at the door. Children 18 and under are admitted free, thanks to support from the Tracy Family Foundation.
The Concert Sponsor for “Untold Stories” is Gardner Denver, the Artist Sponsor is Stifel, the Media Sponsor is WGEM, and the Music Sponsor is Poage Auto Plaza. The Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association’s 2026–27 season is sponsored by The Knapheide Manufacturing Company, Quincy Recycle, and Blessing Health System.
For more information, call the QSOA at 217-222-2856 or visit QSOA.org.
